This aerodynamic phenomenon occurs when the tail rotor fails to provide enough thrust to counteract the main rotor's torque. It is typically triggered by specific wind azimuths, such as quartering tailwinds, which push the main rotor vortices into the tail rotor. If not immediately corrected with forward airspeed or pedal inputs, it can result in a rapid and dangerous spin.
Heard on the job
Keep your speed up on this approach, the winds are swirling and you don't want to get caught in LTE.
Insider tip
Rookies sometimes confuse LTE with a mechanical failure, but it is purely an aerodynamic stalling of the tail rotor blades.